Chennai, also known as Madras, is one of the most exciting cities in South India. Full of Tamil culture, history, food, and fun. Whether you are visiting for the first time or have been here before, Chennai has something new to show you every time. In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Chennai, using simple and easy language that everyone can understand.
1. Walk Along Marina Beach
Marina Beach is the most famous beach in Chennai. In addition, one of the longest urban beaches in the world.
What to do:
- See sunrise
- Play games or fly a kite
- Try tasty street food like sundal and bhajji
- Take a horse ride along the shore
In the evening, families, couples, and children usually flock to the beach, enjoying the sea wind.
2. Visit Kapaleshwarar Temple
Kapaleshwar Temple in Mylapore is a beautiful and ancient temple. The builders made it in the Dravidian style, which featured the carving of colored towers and deities and gods.
Things to see:
- Tall gopuram (temple tower)
- People are praying and offering flowers
- Traditional music and rituals during festivals
A peaceful place, perfect to learn more about the religious culture of Chennai. You can also plan a stop at the Parthasarathy Temple, one of the oldest temples in the city, located nearby in Triplicane. It’s known for its vibrant architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
3. Take Pictures at San Thome Basilica
People built this white church at the site where one of the apostles of Saint Thomas, Basilica, a roman catholic church, lies buried. The church has beautiful architecture and a peaceful setting.
Inside the church:
- A museum with old items
- A cool grave chapel
- Color-stained glass windows
A great place exists for both history lovers and photographers.
4. Explore Fort St. George
Fort St. George is the first British fort built in India around the 1600s. Today, it holds a museum and a government office.
Museum Highlights:
- Coins, weapons, and clothes from the British period
- Paintings and letters from the 18th century
- St. Mary’s Church, India’s oldest Anglican Church
You can also visit the Fort Museum, located inside the fort complex. It displays fascinating relics from the colonial era, giving a deeper look into Chennai’s British past.
5. See Art and Dance at Kalakshetra
The Kalakshetra Foundation is a peaceful place where people learn classical music, dance, and art.
What to do there:
- Participate in Live Bharatanatyam dance shows
- Go to the art gallery and craft shops
- Walk around the green, cool campus
This is a great way to understand the beauty of South Indian art.
6. Enjoy Books at Connemara Public Library
This is one of the oldest libraries in India and has books that are more than 100 years old.
Things to Explore:
- Rare books in Tamil and English
- Large reading halls
- A quiet place to study or read
Located inside the Government Museum campus, you can visit both places together.
7. Visit Government Museum, Egmore
This large and imposing red building is full of treasures from Indian history.
Top Attractions:
- Bronze statues from the Chola dynasty
- Ancient tools and weapons
- A separate section for kids with toys and puzzles
You can spend 2–3 hours here exploring different halls and displays.
8. Drive Along East Coast Road (ECR)
ECR is a scenic road that runs along the sea. It connects Chennai with Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry.
Things to Do on ECR:
- Visit VGP Universal Kingdom (an amusement park)
- Enjoy seafood at seaside restaurants
- Stop at Covelong Beach for surfing
- Explore the DakshinaChitra museum, which shows South Indian village life
A perfect place for a short road trip from the city exists.
9. Eat Tasty South Indian Food
A visit to Chennai is a paradise for food lovers. Especially famous for authentic South Indian food, this place attracts many visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Idlis and dosas with sambar and chutney
- Pongal and Vada for breakfast
- Chicken Chettinad and Parotta for lunch or dinner
- Filter Coffee – Strong, Sweet, and served hot
Best Restaurants:
- Saravana Bhavan
- Murugan Idli Shop
- Buhari Hotel
- Anjappar
Street food stalls near Marina Beach and T. Nagar also serve tasty snacks.
10. Shop in T. Nagar – The Heart of Chennai Shopping
T.Nagar is Chennai’s busiest shopping area. You can buy everything from silk sarees to gold jewelry and electronics.
What to Shop:
- Silk sarees at Nalli or Pothys
- Gold ornaments at GRT or Prince Jewellery
- Street fashion and accessories at Pondy Bazaar
It can get crowded, so go early in the day for a better experience.
11. Visit Theosophical Society
Located in Adyar, the Theosophical Society is a green and peaceful place filled with old trees and birds.
What you will see:
- The world’s largest banyan tree
- Old temples and a meditation hall
- Walking paths and garden
The noise of the city is waiting for a great escape.
12. Experience Chennai’s Nightlife
Chennai has a calm but growing nightlife. Certain places offer great food, music, and fun after sunset.
Best Areas:
- Besant Nagar (restaurants and beachside cafés)
- Nungambakkam (bars and lounges)
- T. Nagar (rooftop dining)
Places to Try:
- The Velveteen Rabbit
- Radio Room
- Bay 146
These places are perfect for relaxing with friends.
13. Celebrate Margazhi Music Season
In December and January, Chennai hosts the Margazhi Music and Dance Festival. One of the biggest cultural events in India occurs.
What Happens:
- More than 300 performances across the city
- Classical music (Carnatic)
- Bharatanatyam and other dance forms
Venues like the Music Academy and Narada Gana Sabha are famous for these shows.
14. Take a Day Trip to Mahabalipuram
Just 60 km away from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is known for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures.
What to See:
- Shore Temple by the sea
- Arjuna’s Penance (large stone carving)
- Pancha Rathas (five chariots carved from stone)
This town is peaceful and filled with history and beauty.
15. Watch the Sunset at Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach, also called Besant Nagar Beach, is quieter than Marina Beach and cleaner too.
Things to Do:
- Eat ice cream or corn on the cob
- Visit the Ashtalakshmi Temple nearby
- Relax at beachside cafés
A great spot for couples and families exists.
16. Visit Valluvar Kottam
Valluvar Kottam is a grand monument built in honor of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
What to See:
- A giant stone chariot structure
- Auditorium with inscriptions of Thirukkural couplets
Peaceful lawns for a relaxed walk
It’s a great spot to admire Tamil architecture and literature all in one place.
Related blog : chennai one day tour
Final Thoughts
Chennai is a city that mixes old traditions with modern life. From beaches and temples to food and festivals, it offers endless choices for fun and learning, like Guindy National Park & Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Madras Crocodile Bank, and MGM Dizzee World. Whether you like history, are a nature lover, or just want to relax, Chennai will make you feel welcome. Don’t forget to explore heritage spots like Valluvar Kottam, Fort Museum, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Parthasarathy Temple to get a deeper cultural experience.